Having Interlocking Feature Patents (Class 52/844)
  • Patent number: 11859438
    Abstract: A bead for releasably securing a glazing unit to a frame member, comprising a body having a first end and a second end, and a resiliently deformable member secured to the body and having a first finger extending from the body to a first end, and a second finger extending from the first finger to a second end. The first end of the body and the first end of the first finger are configured to engage with respective first and second ends of a frame member so as to secure the bead to the frame member. The second end of the body is configured to secure a glazing unit against an opposed seal of the frame member. The body comprises a first material having a first stiffness and the deformable member comprises a second material having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: AANCO (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Fielding
  • Patent number: 11787160
    Abstract: Extendible slit tube members and methods for manufacturing extendible slit tube members are provided. In one aspect, an extendible member (10) comprises a laminated shell (2) of plural fibre reinforced layers (P1-P5) constructed and arranged to be configurable between a coiled form and an extended form. In the extended form (12) the shell is resiliently biased in the form of an elongate tube having longitudinal edges (14) defining a slit (3) along its length and wherein the shell can be opened out at the slit to assume a flattened form in which it can be wound about an axis extending transversely to its longitudinal direction to assume its coiled form (11). In the region of one or both longitudinal edges (50), the amount of reinforcing fibre is less than in the region between the edge regions (51). In another aspect, a flexible cord (40) may be attached along the edge of a shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: RTL MATERIALS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Daton-Lovett
  • Patent number: 11732477
    Abstract: A high strength, low density modular columnar structure. In the preferred embodiment, each module is a prism or cuboid having three or four vertical rectangular sides which meet in the module corners. The module ends perpendicular to the sides are the module faces. At least one face has a brace panel. The brace panels and the face are preferably the same shape, but off-set. A plurality of preferably triangular brace arms extends to the module corners. Each brace panel is preferably provided with a centrally located aperture. The lower face of each module is preferably provided with a lip, while the upper face is configured to receive the lip. A cylindrical column extends vertically through the center of each module, and a plurality of struts extends radially from each column. A stack of modules may be secured with a bolt run through the module apertures, an adhesive, or simply gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: HERRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Warren Herron, III
  • Patent number: 11388890
    Abstract: Novelty covers for a tank including tank walls defining a tank perimeter, the novelty cover including a plurality of panels interconnected to define a frame surrounding a void and defining a frame perimeter, the frame perimeter being complementarily configured with the tank perimeter, wherein each of the panels in the plurality of panels includes an exterior surface with ornamentation the frame is configured to receive the tank in the void, and the ornamentation on the exterior surface of the panels forms a cohesive ornamental scene when the panels are interconnected to define the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Donald E. Nail
  • Patent number: 11085192
    Abstract: A support assembly for a screen enclosure includes a collar device having a sleeve section with a central passageway for receiving an upright post of the enclosure and permitting the sleeve section to be adjustably positioned and fastened to the post. At least one channel is attached exteriorly to the sleeve section for receiving and being secured to a respective structural beam such that the beam is supported by and extends transversely to the upright post. The structural beam includes wide front and back face sections interconnected by narrow top and bottom side sections. At least one of the face sections has a spline groove formed longitudinally therethrough for receiving a screen panel and complementary spline component to secure the screen panel to the structural beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Danny P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11002013
    Abstract: A high strength, low density modular columnar structure. In the preferred embodiment, each module is a prism or cuboid having three or four vertical rectangular sides which meet in the module corners. The module ends perpendicular to the sides are the module faces. At least one face has a brace panel. The brace panels and the face are preferably the same shape, but off-set. A plurality of preferably triangular brace arms extends to the module corners. Each brace panel is preferably provided with a centrally located aperture. The lower face of each module is preferably provided with a lip, while the upper face is configured to receive the lip. A cylindrical column extends vertically through the center of each module, and a plurality of struts extends radially from each column. A stack of modules may be secured with a bolt run through the module apertures, an adhesive, or simply gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: HERRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Warren L. Herron, III
  • Patent number: 10781583
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fitting profile (1), a fitting profile system, and an assembly method of the fitting profile system. Said profile (1) comprises two tabs (2, 3) perpendicularly connected to each other at a joint (9). At its inner (20) surface, tab (2) comprises a shoulder (10) with a fitting member (6) of the male type disposed thereon. At its end, tab (3) comprises a fitting member (7) of the female type. The shape of each of said fitting members (6, 7) is complementary to each other so as to allow a fitting attachment into another identically shaped profile. Profile (1) is particularly intended to be built-in in panels in order to facilitate and simplify their coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Concexec—Arquitectura, LDA
    Inventor: Jaime Alberto Fernandes Silva
  • Patent number: 10774533
    Abstract: The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defining a plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. In embodiments the cross section may define four channels, facing in four directions. The cross section has the advantages of providing structural channels that provide strength, platforms for attaching sliding and fastening components, and conduits for protecting internal components. The interior and exterior surfaces of the channels are configured to permit multiple carriers to slide/roll in linear motion independently in multiple directions, with smooth action and stability due to one or more guiding features to distribute load. These and other embodiments are discussed in greater detail in the detailed description and drawing figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Harsoyo Lukito
  • Patent number: 10662604
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a prop (10) comprising a first tube (14) and a second tube (16). The first tube (14) is telescopically connected to the second tube (16) for axially displacing the second tube (16) between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second tubes (14, 16) each comprise a loading end for receiving an axial load from opposing load surfaces (62, 64) in the extended position. The first tube (14) and the second tube (16) are made from a plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: EZE Shoring (Halifax) Limited
    Inventor: Glenn Roy Wood
  • Patent number: 10233644
    Abstract: Composite tube assemblies comprising a composite tube comprising a distal end having a first conical section and a second conical section, wherein a distal end of the first conical section is in contact with a proximal end of the second conical section having the same outer diameter as the distal end of the first conical section, wherein a proximal end of the first conical section and a distal end of the second conical section have a smaller outer diameter than the distal end of the first conical section, a locking ring disposed around the first conical section, an end fitting disposed around the second conical section, wherein the end fitting is coupled to the locking ring, and a retaining ring circumferentially disposed around the locking ring are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Rony Giovanni Ganis
  • Patent number: 9945641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bulletproof glass pane for use in a motor vehicle having a plurality of panes and layers of glass, ceramics or plastics connected two-dimensionally to each other in layers to form a composite, and having an edge reinforcement that extends at the periphery of the bulletproof glass pane, wherein the edge reinforcement comprises at least two or more reinforcing elements that are in loose mutual engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Siegfried Stranner
  • Patent number: 9415811
    Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon the provision of systems and methods for reinforcement of a structural member. More particularly, the present invention is predicated upon unique carrier configurations and application of reinforcing material thereto. In one configuration, the application of reinforcing material is achieved without the use of fasteners, adhesives, or both, for placement, locating and restrictive movement of the reinforcing material onto the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ZEPHYROS, INC.
    Inventors: Dean J. Schneider, Joseph L. Bolton
  • WS3
    Patent number: 9032694
    Abstract: The WS3 is made of a strong rust resistant metal, or other material that is rust resistant and strong enough to withstand the abuse of a weed-eater line striking it. The WS3 is comprised of the above material, that is cut into a number of side pieces. The number of side pieces is to be determined by the particular wooden post in question. These side pieces are designed to connect to each other, at the edge of each side piece there is a fold that is folded in the opposite direction of the adjacent side that it is to be connected with. These opposite folds connect each side together with the next side, eliminated the need for screws or nails to hold WS3 together as one complete solid unit surrounding a wooden post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: John Bernard
  • Patent number: 9016023
    Abstract: Column assemblies for work environments that support the acoustical, lighting, and cabling needs for the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Fry Reglet Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Timko, Richard Stonis
  • Patent number: 9010069
    Abstract: A protective covering for a post, such as a mail box post, used to prevent damage to such a post by grass trimming devices such as weed-eaters. The protective covering, which may be rust resistant metal or other rust resistant material, may be formed by bending a single piece of material into a four-sided shape, open on top and bottom, with two open ends each having a complimentary interlocking fold formed on its open ends. The four-sided shape may be flexible so that it may be flexed into an open position, placed around the post to be protected, and closed upon itself being locked in place by the complimentary interlocking folds forming a protective covering surrounding the post. No screws, nails or other retaining hardware are required for holding the protective covering place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: John P. Bernard
  • Patent number: 8756900
    Abstract: A system and method of preparing residential and commercial screen enclosures using box beams having a two-piece construction from identical extruded parts, which are self-mating and connected with fasteners, or snap-fitted together without fasteners. The box beam so formed is strong and easy to construct, and preferred in the front walls and roof designs of gable, mansard, dome, and flat screen enclosures. Both extruded parts of the box beam have a planar central member with two substantially perpendicular side pieces each having an exterior-facing spline and screen-edge retaining groove. In addition, an interior-facing gusset-retaining slot is created between each spline groove and the planar central member, with each pair of opposed slots configured and positioned to receive a tightly-fitting gusset plate that provides stronger and more precise box beam joints than is possible with gusset plates secured only by fasteners, as is common in prior art beam construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Peter Arthur Hudson, Pam Ellen Hudson
  • Patent number: 8720153
    Abstract: A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Keystone Tower Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Smith, Alexander Slocum
  • Patent number: 8667766
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8646229
    Abstract: A curtain wall mounting system adapted for cantilevered support of at least one structure outwardly therefrom. The curtain wall mounting system including an anchor plate having dual plates and adapted for integral mounting with a curtain wall web section. The curtain wall web section includes one of a hollow tongue web extending outwardly of a curtain wall vertical mullion in a first direction and an integrally formed flange region extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion in the first direction. The curtain wall web section includes a first set of fastening apertures oriented transversely to the first direction and formed. The anchor plate includes at least one generally planer body portion having a first set of mating apertures adapted for alignment in registry with the first set of fastening apertures of the web. The anchor plate further having a second set of apertures adapted for securing structures outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred A. Grunewald, James P. Clark, William T. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8539730
    Abstract: A building system is disclosed having building constituent assemblies including wall panels, a flooring assembly, a ceiling assembly and a roofing assembly. Each of the building constituent assemblies includes a supporting structure and a covering member. The supporting structure includes a supporting member which has a corrugated first side portion and second side portion. The side portions of adjacent supporting structures overlay each other and interlock the adjacent constituent assemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tripod Components Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Tyge Madsen, Klaus Hammershoit Hansen
  • Patent number: 8522511
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a mast system including a telescoping mast having first and second mast sections, the mast having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the first mast section including an inner surface having ribs disposed thereon, and, the second mast section including a coupling mechanism to engage the ribs on the first mast section for enabling axial movement of the second mast section with respect to the first mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Matthew D. Thoren, Joseph C. DiMare, Cameron B. Goddard
  • Publication number: 20130212977
    Abstract: Provided is a structure that may include a structural tube having at least one slot extending from an end thereof, an end plate attached to the end of the structural tube, and at least one cross member extending through the at least one slot, the at least one cross member including a first region outside of the structural tube and a second region inside the structural tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Derek Jay Hemphill, Jake Bigelow, Jason Hoffman, Ross Robert Ingwersen, Christopher Alan Jacob, Ryan Oliver, Brandon Lee Schafer
  • Patent number: 8499525
    Abstract: A wall standard designed to attach to standard steel construction studs with self-tapping framing screws in the front and on the side of the device at predetermined spacings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: William Meixner
  • Patent number: 8474219
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8474221
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly fiberglass utility pole that comes in three sections that are telescoped one around the other to provide a strong, wind and bending resistant structure. Each of the three sections has alternating protruding and intruding surfaces that are slip fit together to provide maximum strength while conserving material. Additionally, each of the three sections preferably are different lengths such that maximum reinforcement is provided along the center of the length of the pole, without requiring excessive material (or weight) at the top end of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Trident Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Ceko
  • Patent number: 8468776
    Abstract: In a flange to adapt a wind power generator to a pre-stressed concrete tower, the flange includes an annular tapered pre-stressed concrete shell having a bulging which inwardly protrudes toward a central axis of the flange, and a steel component to be embedded within the pre-stressed concrete shell. The bulging includes a horizontal flat surface for settling the steel component. The steel component includes an annular tapered body having an upper and lower end, a plurality of vertical and radially extended fins joined to an external face of the steel component, a connecting ring joined to the body upper end and including a plurality of holes for introducing bolts to join the wind power generator, and an annular base joined to the body lower end, which is settled on the bulging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cortina Innovations S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Jose Pablo Cortina-Ortega, Alejandro Cortina-Cordero, Jose Pablo Cortina-Cordero
  • Patent number: 8464497
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8443576
    Abstract: A casing member for assembly with an opposed identical casing member to encase a post includes an elongate body portion having spaced apart first and second side edges extending lengthwise of the body portion. First and second connectors are adjacent the first and second side edges respectively, and extend lengthwise therealong. The first connector includes a first tongue protruding from the body portion along a tongue axis. The second connector includes a groove bounded at least partially by spaced apart first and groove second sidewalls joined to the body portion. The first groove has a groove axis parallel to both the groove sidewalls and the tongue axis. The first tongue is inter-engageable with the first groove of the opposed identical casing member and the first groove is inter-engageable with the first tongue of the opposed casing member so as to secure the two casing members together about the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Alpa Lumber Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Petta
  • Patent number: 8413394
    Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Don A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 8359798
    Abstract: A foundation, particularly a foundation of a wind turbine, is provided. The foundation includes a central foundation member and a plurality of foundation segments which are segments of a circular, ring shaped or polygonal foundation element and which are connected to the central foundation member using a plurality of locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Achim Armbrecht, André Frank
  • Patent number: 8322114
    Abstract: A cladding assembly comprises first and second cladding panels, each having top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, and a corner connection element disposed to couple a pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels together. The corner connection element includes top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of female connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of male connectors for mating with the female connectors, or wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of male connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of female connectors for mating with the male connectors of the corner connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Scott Waters, Michael William Nachreiner, Gregory F. Jacobs, John Zarynow
  • Patent number: 8307609
    Abstract: A reinforcement device for a lateral buckling stress installed on an angle-type steel member so as to be attachable and detachable therefrom without power-off of a power line tower, preparation and disassembly of members in order to prevent lateral buckling and accidental torsion. The reinforcement device includes an accommodation unit for surrounding a steel member, first and second cover units connected to the accommodation unit and formed to cover the steel member, and a fixation member for fixing the first and second cover units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventor: Kang Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8281547
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a selected structure using composite materials is disclosed, which method in form includes providing a plurality of members each comprising a composite material, wherein each member is configured to be coupled to at least one other member in the plurality of members along a longitudinal side; coupling onsite the plurality of members along their longitudinal sides to form a base enclosed structure; and reinforcing onsite the base enclosed structure to form the selected structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ershigs, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Hettick
  • Patent number: 8262155
    Abstract: A subassembly of a vehicle assembly is provided. The subassembly of the vehicle assembly includes at least one beam, at least one beam support having a plurality of holes, wherein the at least one beam and the at least one beam support are connected and reinforced by an overmolded joint. The overmolded joint includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one load bearing wall. An end of the at least one beam support contacts the at least one beam, and the at least one load bearing wall abuts the at least one beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony Leanza
  • Patent number: 8234837
    Abstract: A split column includes two half sections with locating features for aligning the half sections. A whole column is formed and then split into half sections. The locating features are formed on the inner surfaces of the half sections after the column is split into half sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Column & Post, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Koren, David Szilezy, Joseph Hahn
  • Patent number: 8209913
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to propose a tubular structure and a wind turbine generator in which work on an outer surface of the tower structure can be performed easily. A tubular structure comprises: a plurality of tubular sections 21 that are stacked one on top of another in a vertical direction, the adjacent tubular sections 21 being joined together with use of a splice plate 22 arranged on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of abutting ends of the adjacent tubular sections 21 and a fastening member 25 fastening the splice plate 22 and the adjacent tubular sections 21; an opening for operation 26 which is arranged in a vicinity of the splice plate 22 on a circumferential surface of the tubular sections 21; and a reinforcing rib 28 arranged in the vertical direction on the circumferential surface of the tubular sections 21, wherein a vertical position of the reinforcing rib 28 includes at least a vertical range where the opening for operation 26 is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Patent number: 8161712
    Abstract: A flexible wrap of rotatably interlocking fluted strips is provided. The fluted strips may have similarly shaped cross-sectional areas and be rotatably interconnected with one another such that the flexible wrap may be wrapped around an object. One end of a fluted strip may have a socket means for rotatably interlocking with an adjacent fluted strip. The socket means may have a circular inner diameter and two curved arms with an opening between their ends. The opposite end of the fluted strip may have a ball means for rotatably interlocking with another adjacent fluted strip. The ball means may have a circular outer diameter sized to slide into the circular inner diameter of the socket means of an adjacent fluted strip, and an arm sized to slide between the opening of the curved arms, during assembly. One fluted strip may be designed to join in the middle to facilitate wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas A. Mackenzie
  • Publication number: 20120073240
    Abstract: A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed for use in an entryway assembly. The mull post may engage a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a one or two piece outer portion and one or more internal reinforcing members. The outer portion may comprise a plurality of interlocking pieces. The pieces may include a stop portion and a support portion, each with interlocking ribs. A first internal reinforcing member may be formed of engineered material such as a wood laminate, and a second reinforcing member may comprise a channel that extends partially around the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may include orthogonal portions conterminously received within a correspondingly shaped central chamber formed by the housing formed by the joined interlocking pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: PLASTPRO 2000, INC.
    Inventors: Pao Yu An, Albert Lin, Tong Mingyong
  • Patent number: 8132376
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a track assembly comprising two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. The system may further comprise a strap or series of engaging surfaces on the inner and outer tracks that generally restrain the inner track relative to the outer track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Don A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 8117802
    Abstract: A structural element for use in forming a structure, that includes first and second longitudinal members that extend between opposite ends of the element. The longitudinal members have inward and outward faces, and a pair of side faces extending between the inward and outward faces. The element includes first and second lateral members that extend between the first and second longitudinal members. The first and second lateral members each have an outer surface. The outer surface of the first lateral member is substantially flush with a side face of each longitudinal member to form a substantially planar surface extending across substantially an entirety of a first side surface of the element. The outer surface of the second lateral member is substantially flush with a side face of each longitudinal member to form a substantially planar surface extending across substantially an entirety of a first side surface of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis R. Kisch, Timothy D. Frohreich
  • Patent number: 8104249
    Abstract: An aesthetic cover assembly includes first mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of a building structure that is secured to the building structure. An alignment pin is secured on one of the first mounting portions and the building structure. The alignment pin supports a second mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of the building structure. A method of installing an aesthetic cover assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Griffiths, Wayne Wagner, Jacob R. Sandquist, Robert J. Albert
  • Patent number: 8074424
    Abstract: A cladding assembly comprises first and second cladding panels, each having top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, and a corner connection element disposed to couple a pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels together. The corner connection element includes top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of female connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of male connectors for mating with the female connectors, or wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of male connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of female connectors for mating with the male connectors of the corner connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Scott Waters, Michael William Nachreiner, Gregory F. Jacobs, John Zarynow
  • Patent number: 8033080
    Abstract: In the encasement of a height-adjustable support column comprising a plurality of encasement elements (12) which are arranged annularly around the support column and which engage each other in a telescopic manner and can be slid relatively to each other in the axial direction of the support column, the encasement elements (12) each consisting of a material band (14) bent into a ring whose abutting edges (16) each have a rebate (20) bent backwards and are connected to each other by means of a retainer clip (22) having a C-shaped profile and clasping the rebates, at least one of the rebates (20) is provided with a recess (26) into which a locking element (28) provided on the retainer clip (22) can be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rolf Revenus
  • Patent number: 7997044
    Abstract: An enclosure, such as a column for supporting a roof, is defined by plural, adjacent, beveled segments, including two outermost segments, folded and joined. An adhesive is used on the beveled edges to help hold the shape of the enclosure. In addition, the edges of the outermost segments are configured to interlock so that, with manual force and no tools, the outermost segments can be snapped together, thereby holding the enclosure while the adhesive cures. The configurations on the outermost edges are preferably made of interlocking projections and recesses, at least one of which projections is displaced slightly when the outermost segments are joined. The segments may be formed by milling a single panel while applying tape to the joints between segments to hold them in adjacent relationship. The tape may then be removed after the enclosure is formed. The preferred material for the enclosure is foamed plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Marhaygue, LLC
    Inventors: Guerry E. Green, Robert T. Hokum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7992362
    Abstract: A kit of parts for a column assembly includes a sleeve having a first end portion, and a second opposed end portion. The kit further includes a collar having a collar aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the sleeve in sliding fit. The kit further includes a skirt having skirt a first end and a skirt second end opposed to the skirt first end. A skirt aperture extends through the skirt for receiving the first end portion of the sleeve in sliding fit to position the skirt second end is adjacent the collar. A base is positionable adjacent the first end portion. The collar is selectively securable to the either the base or the skirt second end, and the skirt first end is selectively securable to the base, such that the column assembly is selectively assemblable with or without the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Alpa Lumber Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Petta
  • Patent number: 7966686
    Abstract: A single column or multiple column support structure for car wash installations. Each column is a hollow aluminum extrusion having a cross-section defining a smooth rounded figure such as an oval and a pair of longitudinally continuous external channels formed in opposite sides of the column to provide routes for wires and hoses. Snap in plastic covers are associated with the channels. Interior channels received fastener inserts for assembling the columns to base plates, top plates, cross-bridges and the like. Two or more columns may be assembled in parallel spaced relationship with spacers therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry S. Turner
  • Patent number: 7908821
    Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Prenn
  • Patent number: 7877962
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a stronger lanai, area or pool enclosure. The system utilizes a beam having an interior channel that provides increased thread receiving surface for receiving one or more fasteners and an interlocking joint for further strengthening the connection between a plurality of beam members that form the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Teffenhart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7866120
    Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Prenn
  • Patent number: 7841154
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling multi-piece structural components, such as architectural columns, capitals, and bases, are disclosed. In one embodiment a column assembly is disclosed, comprising a first column portion and a second column portion. The first column portion includes a flange having a first keyed surface on which predetermined surface features are defined. The second column portion includes a second keyed surface that is configured to engage the first keyed surface. The second keyed surface includes a keying material having surface features that intermesh with the predetermined surface feature such that the first and second column portions are desirably aligned when mated. The surfaces features of the second keyed surface are defined in the keying material as a result of compressive engagement between the keying material and the predetermined surface features of the first keyed surface when the column portions are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Barney J. Auman